Trabeculotomy (truh-BEK-yuh-LOT-uh-mee) is a medical procedure used to treat glaucoma. The word is spelled based on its Latin roots. Trabecula (truh-BEK-yoo-luh) means "small beam" and otomy (AH-tuh-mee) means "cutting into." Therefore, trabeculotomy describes the cutting of small beams in the eye to relieve pressure and reduce glaucoma symptoms. The IPA phonetic transcription breaks down the pronunciation of each syllable, making it easier for medical professionals to communicate and understand the word.
Trabeculotomy is a surgical procedure performed on the eye to treat a condition known as glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterized by increased pressure within the eye that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss if left untreated.
During a trabeculotomy, the surgeon creates a small incision in the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. The surgeon then accesses the drainage system of the eye, known as the trabecular meshwork, which is responsible for regulating the flow of fluid from the eye. By using specialized surgical tools, the surgeon removes a tiny piece of tissue from the trabecular meshwork, thus improving the outflow of fluid and reducing intraocular pressure.
Trabeculotomy is typically considered when other treatment options for glaucoma, such as eye drops or laser surgeries, have not effectively controlled the intraocular pressure. This procedure can be performed on both adults and children who have glaucoma.
While trabeculotomy can help lower intraocular pressure and slow down the progression of glaucoma, it is important to note that the procedure may not cure the condition entirely. Continued monitoring and management of the disease are necessary to prevent further vision loss.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with trabeculotomy, including infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding eye structures. It is crucial for patients to discuss the procedure's benefits and risks with their eye healthcare provider to make an informed decision.
The word "trabeculotomy" is derived from two main components: "trabeculo-" and "-tomy".
The first component, "trabeculo-", comes from the Latin word "trabecula", which means a small beam, bar, or plank. In medical terminology, "trabecula" refers to a thin, porous bone tissue that forms a network-like structure. This term is often used in the context of the "trabecular meshwork" in the eye, which is the region responsible for regulating the outflow of aqueous humor, the fluid in the front part of the eye.
The second component, "-tomy", is derived from the Greek word "tomḗ", which means to cut or incision. It is a common suffix in medical terms related to surgical procedures involving cutting or incising a part of the body.